One suspect dead after an officer-involved shooting off Austin Bluffs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- One suspect is dead Friday following an officer-involved shooting off Austin Bluffs Pkwy. in Colorado Springs, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Police said around 1:15 a.m. they received a call for a suspicious suspect in a van in a parking lot near the 24 Hour Fitness on Academy Boulevard. When officers responded they ordered the man to exit the van. Then, police said the suspect fired at officers and they returned fire.
The suspect then barricaded himself inside the van and called dispatch saying he was armed with a firearm and planned to kill officers, according to CSPD. Officers then initiated a shelter in place order via Peak Alerts.
Police called in crisis negotiators and the SWAT team and tried to get the suspect out of their vehicle. Eventually, police say the suspect shot again at officers and officers returned fire. In total, there were two exchanges of gunfire.
Police said after a period of time they were able to safely approach the van. When officers opened the doors they found the suspect deceased inside the van.
Per policy, CSPD said the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave and the investigation is being taken over by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
Police said this is still an active and open investigation.
The shelter in place in the area was given the all clear at 5:18 a.m.
This is the map the Colorado Springs Police Department shared regarding the area under the shelter in place.